2025-26 Concerto Competition 

Austin Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition

2025–2026 Season

The Austin Youth Orchestra is proud to offer an annual Concerto Competition to showcase exceptional student musicians. Selected winner(s) may perform as soloists with full orchestra or as soloists at an AYO event, depending on repertoire, orchestra and hall availability.

Eligibility

• Open to all current AYO students in good standing.

• Applicants must have regular attendance, be prepared for rehearsals, and maintain strong conduct in their ensemble.

• Students may only submit one entry.

• $50 Entry fee for AYO students

• Registration Link

• Intended for Symphony and Philharmonic Members, but any member who can play a concerto that could be performed with the orchestra is welcome to apply.

Repertoire Requirements

• One movement of a standard concerto or a concert piece that is appropriate for full orchestra accompaniment.

• The selection must be published, with orchestral parts available for performance.

• Performance time should not exceed 15 minutes.

• Piano accompaniment must be available and used for all rounds. (prelim round may be pre-recorded)

Timeline

• November 1, 2025 – Entry Form Opens

• December 1, 2025 – Preliminary Round Video Submission Deadline 11:59 pm CT

• December 7, 2025 – Finalists Announced

• December 14, 2025 – Final Round (Live performance with piano accompaniment)

• Feb. 2026 – Winner(s) perform with orchestra or at an AYO event
  
  

Preliminary Round (Video Submission)

• Submit a continuous, unedited video of your selected piece with accompaniment

• The video must clearly show the performer’s face, hands, and instrument.

• Accompaniment may be live recorded or pre-recorded.

• Submission is through the official AYO Concerto Competition Form 

• Deadline for video submission: 11:59 PM on December 1.

Final Round (Live Performance)

• Finalists will perform live for a panel of adjudicators in Bates at UT Austin December 14, 2025, with piano accompaniment.

• Finalists must provide their own accompanist.

• Judges will evaluate musicality, technique, and repertoire suitability.

• Judges’ decisions are final.

Winner Responsibilities

• Winners will be scheduled to rehearse and perform their concerto with the appropriate AYO orchestra or at an AYO event in Spring 2026.

• Winners must remain enrolled and in good standing with AYO through the performance date.

AYO Disclosures

• AYO may select more than one winner or opt not to name a winner if entries do not meet performance standards.

• AYO may extend deadlines or expand program if needed due to submissions received.

• All details subject to change.